Nov 5, 2019
Q and A in the Chapter on the Meditative Virtues in the Commentary on the Contemplation Sutra
善導大師語錄《觀經疏》〈定善義〉問答:
Question: Amitabha Buddha is virtuous, respectful, and prestigious. Supposedly, he won’t take action unless necessary. In response to Shakyamuni’s call of Great Compassion, Amitabha appears without breaking the promise in his Fundamental Vow. Why does Amitabha stand, but not sit properly in response to Shakyamuni’s call?
Answer: This indicates that the Tathagata has an implicit intent or hidden meaning here. The Land of Saha is a realm of suffering, where a variety of normal and evil beings live together. The Eight Kinds of Sufferings are interactive and scorch each other in random ways. People disguise themselves as relatives smiling at us to disguise their covetousness. The Six Sense Organs are “thieves” that always accompany us [to steal our merits]. The fire trenches of the Three Wretched Realms are intruders attempting to get close to us.
If Amitabha Buddha does not stand and take a step forward to deliver deluded beings, and liberate them from the prison of karmic entanglements, how could sentient beings be escaped from their sufferings instantly? For that reason, Amitabha always gets ready in standing posture, rather than sitting properly to deliver those who need help.
問曰:佛德尊高,不可輒然輕舉,既能不捨本願,來應大悲者,何故不端坐而赴機也?
答曰:此明如來別有密意。但以娑婆苦界, 雜惡同居;八苦相燒, 動成違返;詐親含笑,六賊常隨;三惡火坑,臨臨欲入。
若不舉足以救迷,業繫之牢,何由得免?為斯義故,立撮即行, 不及端坐以赴機也。
Namo Amituofo!
